General Manager ITASCA Australia

About the role

ITASCA Australia is seeking a dynamic and results-driven General Manager (GM) to lead our consulting office in Australia. This role requires combining strong technical expertise, leadership, and business acumen to drive sustainable growth while fostering a high-performing and collaborative work culture.

ITASCA Australia is a consulting business unit within ITASCA International, delivering specialised geomechanics and hydrogeology consulting services, as well as R&D capabilities, to the mining and civil industries across Australia and internationally. The GM has overall responsibility for the operation of the ITASCA Australia office, including full responsibility for finances, business development, and staff, while also working collaboratively with other ITASCA business units worldwide to provide outstanding value to our clients. The GM reports to the CEO of ITASCA International Inc.

Why this role matters

Geomechanical, geological, and/or hydrogeological conditions are often deciding factors for the feasibility and realization of mining, infrastructure, and energy projects. ITASCA is positioned to provide high-end consulting services, enabling clients to pursue developments and projects in these areas in a safe as well as financially and environmentally sustainable manner.

You will play a critical role in growing ITASCA Australia and its consulting practice by building trusted client relationships, mentoring staff, leading project teams, and connecting ITASCA's geomechanics, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and numerical modelling capabilities into stronger solutions for clients. As the GM and Principal Engineer, you will help clients understand complex geomechanical and/or hydrogeological conditions and situations, translating that understanding into practical decisions. Your work may influence mining method selection, extraction sequences, design of underground excavations, rock reinforcement design, mine water management, dewatering strategies, groundwater characterization, permitting, closure planning, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Assume full management for the operation of the ITASCA Australia consulting business unit, including full responsibility for finances, profit & loss ownership, business development, and staff.
• Mentor staff and support high-quality project delivery through review, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• Leverage industry expertise and professional networks to attract and develop new business opportunities, while continuing to provide high quality services to existing clients in known industries and emerging sectors, including geomechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.
• Maintain and enhance a positive, high-performing company culture, promoting and fostering interoffice collaboration within ITASCA.
• Provide principal-level technical leadership on geomechanics, rock engineering and/or hydrogeology, including conducting technical work to a certain degree (percentage to be decided).
• Represent ITASCA Australia at industry events, conferences, and workshops, enhancing external visibility.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (M.Sc. or higher) in rock engineering, geomechanics, engineering geology, or closely related discipline aligned with the core business of ITASCA Australia – or equivalent experience. Business leadership training is highly valued and considered a strong asset.
• Minimum 15 years of work experience in the mining industry or consulting in the fields aligned with the core practices of ITASCA Australia.
• Proven leadership experience with strong team development, coaching and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to inspire employees and lead them through change processes.
• Demonstrated exceptional technical skills, leadership, and communication in rock engineering.
• Demonstrated business development success, including securing large contracts and strategic partnerships, and established client relationships.
• Project management experience within consulting, being both technically and financially responsible for projects.
• Proven track record of professional development and growth.
• Registration as a professional engineer in Australia.
• Citizenship or permanent residency of Australia.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance bonuses (cash and company stock)
• Four weeks paid annual leave per year in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
• Paid public holidays in accordance with the Fair Work Act
• Up to 10 days paid leave for Jury service and unpaid reasonable leave for voluntary emergency work in accordance with Fair Work Act
• Long service leave under the relevant Long Service Leave Act
• Parental Leave in accordance with the Fair Work Act

The above is a summary of the main benefits; a complete list of benefits and details can be provided on request. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.

Travel

Travel (domestic and international) will be expected for client meetings, site visits, conferences and business events, business development, and internal collaboration and inter-company meetings.

Location

This is a full-time position preferably based in Brisbane, Perth, or Melbourne. Relocation assistance is available.